Method and apparatus for reservoir free and ventless water filtering

ABSTRACT

An on-demand filter structure including a first hydrophilic protective layer comprising a first surface exposable to a stream of water. A contact area on the first surface receives the stream. The first hydrophilic protective layer receives the stream and distributes water out a second surface, primarily using gravity. An activated carbon felt (ACF) layer is adjacent to the second surface, wherein the ACF layer is configured for water filtration, primarily using gravity. A second hydrophilic protective layer includes a third surface adjacent the ACF layer and a fourth surface. The third surface receives filtered water from the ACF layer, and the fourth surface expels the filtered water primarily using gravity, wherein the first and second hydrophilic protective layers sandwich the ACF layer. A cross section of the first hydrophilic protective layer, the ACF layer, and the second hydrophilic protective layer has a curvature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/132,134 filed on Dec. 18, 2013. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Water filtration has become common in homes, offices and other places toproduce cleaner and better tasting water. One filtration system that isgaining popularity is the portable water bottle that can be easilycarried and used in many different settings. The convenience ofincluding a filtration feature within the portable water bottle makesthe bottle much more attractive to users. For instance, the water bottleprovides filtered water wherever there is a water source, such asdrinking fountain or tap. As long as water is available, the user hasaccess to filtered water. The filtration system generally includes afilter through which water passes to remove particles, chemicals,microbes, and the like. For proper operation, the filters should bechanged periodically.

Conventional water bottles include a reservoir that accepts and holdsunfiltered water before filtering. A couple of drawbacks to this systemincludes wasted space in the reservoir that could be used to holdfiltered water, and a long wait period before filtered water isavailable to the user. The reservoir is needed because the filter systemused in conventional water bottles has a flow rate that is slower than afill rate typically experienced by any system providing water, such as,that from a drinking fountain or water faucet. As such, water held inthe reservoir is slowly filtered through the filter system. Also, thereservoir is small so as to not take up too much space, therebyreserving the majority of space in the water bottle to hold filteredwater. However, because the reservoir is small, it requires multiplefill and filter cycles before the water bottle is full. For example, atypical use case includes filling the reservoir with water, filteringthe water in the reservoir, waiting for the reservoir to empty, andrepeating the process until the water bottle is full with filteredwater.

In another implementation, conventional water bottles have an activefiltration system. That is, water must be pumped from a holdingreservoir and through the filter system in order to obtain filteredwater. In addition to the drawbacks of having a holding reservoirdescribed above, this implementation requires a pumping mechanism to beconfigured into the water bottle. In some implementations, the pumpingmechanism is activated by the user. For instance, the user would squeezethe water bottle to pump the water through the filter system. As adrawback, this implementation requires attention and action by the userto enable the filtration process before the user has access to filteredwater.

In still other conventional water bottles, a venting system is requiredto vent a chamber holding filtered water. In particular, as filteredwater is added to the chamber, displaced air is vented through a ventingsystem. Without venting, the filter system would cease to operate due toexcessive back pressure. While venting is a convenient solution, anyventing system adds complexity to the design, and will add additionalmanufacturing costs to the water bottle.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In embodiments of the present invention, an on-demand filter structureis disclosed. The filter structure includes a first hydrophilicprotective layer including a first surface exposable to a stream ofwater. The first surface includes a contact area receiving the stream ofwater. The first hydrophilic protective layer is configured to receivethe stream of water, and more particularly, a contact area in the firstsurface is configured to receive the stream of water. The firsthydrophilic protective layer is also configured to distribute water outa second surface, primarily using gravity. The structure includes anactivated carbon felt (ACF) layer adjacent to the second surface of thefirst hydrophilic protective layer, wherein the ACF layer is configuredfor water filtration, primarily using gravity. The structure includes asecond hydrophilic protective layer that is configured for receivingfiltered water from the ACF layer. More particularly, the secondhydrophilic protective layer includes a third surface adjacent to theACF layer configured for receiving the filtered water, and includes afourth surface for expelling the filtered water, primarily usinggravity. The first and second hydrophilic protective layers sandwich theACF layer. In addition, a cross section of the first hydrophilicprotective layer, the ACF layer, and the second hydrophilic protectivelayer has a curvature.

In another embodiment, another on-demand filter structure is disclosed.The filter structure includes a multi-layer filtration materialconfigured for water filtration, primarily using gravity. Themulti-layer filtration material has a curvature. The structure includesa support configured to receive the multi-layer filtration material andhold the filtration material in a set position. The support includes afirst region and a second region separate from each other. The supportincludes a first opening that is configured for receiving a stream ofwater, wherein the structure is configured without an internal ventingmechanism. The multi-layer filtration material is attached to thesupport such that a throughway is formed in the first region between thefirst opening and the multi-layer filtration material to allow thestream of water to contact the multi-layer filtration material along thecurvature.

In still another embodiment, a method for filtering is disclosed. Themethod includes receiving a stream of water at first surface of ahydrophilic protective layer. The method includes distributing thestream of water through the first nonwoven layer and out a secondsurface of the first hydrophilic protective layer. The method includesfiltering water from the stream of water through an activated carbonfelt (ACF) layer adjacent to the second surface of the first hydrophilicprotective layer. The ACF layer is configured for water filtration,primarily using gravity. The method includes receiving filtered waterfrom the ACF layer at a third surface of a second hydrophilic protectivelayer, and distributing the filtered water throughout the secondhydrophilic protective layer. The method includes expelling the filteredwater out a fourth surface of the second hydrophilic protective layer.In the method, a cross section of the first hydrophilic protectivelayer, the ACF layer, and the second hydrophilic protective layer isdefined by a curvature.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a cross section of a portion of a structure includingactivated carbon felt (ACF) as a filter, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a cross section of a structure including ACF as a filter, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing configured to hold a structureincluding ACF as a filter, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a portable water bottle including a structurecapable of filtering water without the use of a reservoir and withoutthe use of a built-in venting mechanism, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a close-up view of a lid portion of the portable water bottleshown in FIG. 3A, wherein the lid is configured to hold a structureincluding ACF as a filter, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the lid portion of the portable water bottleshown in FIG. 3A, wherein the lid includes two separate regionsincluding a first region for receiving unfiltered water, and a secondregion for providing access to filtered water, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for filtering water throughan ACF layer that is shaped with a curvature, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is table illustrating the rate of chlorine reduction over alifetime of a filter structure, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. While described in conjunction with theseembodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limitthe disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure isintended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which maybe included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined bythe appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed descriptionof the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure.However, it will be understood that the present disclosure may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the presentdisclosure.

For expository purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein refers toa plane parallel to the plane or surface of an object, regardless of itsorientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular tothe horizontal as just defined. Terms such as “above,” “below,”“bottom,” “top,” “side,” “higher,” “lower,” “upper,” “over,” and“under,” are referred to with respect to the horizontal plane.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for an ondemand water bottle without the need for a reservoir to deliver gravityfiltration. Other embodiments provide the above advantage and furtherprovide for an on demand water bottle that has a high filtration flowrate which negates the need for a dedicated venting mechanism. Stillother embodiments of the present invention provide the aboveaccomplishments and further provide for a drink port that is in the sameplane as a filter opening, which allows for single-handed use.

FIG. 1A is a cross section of a portion of a multi-layer filterstructure 100A, including activated carbon felt (ACF) as a filter layer,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The ACFstructure has a form factor that is configurable for use in a waterbottle.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the filter structure 100A includes a firsthydrophilic protective layer 110. A first surface 113 of the protectivelayer 110 is configured for exposure to water, such as, a stream ofwater for purposes of filtration. The protective layer 110 also includesa second surface 115 through which the water leaves the protective layer110. In particular, the protective layer 110 is made from long fibersthat may be bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solventprocesses. For instance, the nonwoven layer 110 may comprise a fabric.In one embodiment, the protective layer 110 comprises a cellulose basednonwoven layer.

In one embodiment, the cellulose based nonwoven layer 110 comprisesrayon. The rayon material provides strength and durability suitable forrepeated use within a life cycle of a water filtration system. Further,the rayon material of the nonwoven layer 110 provides structuralstrength to more fragile underlying layers (e.g., the active filtrationlayer). This is beneficial during the manufacturing process in whichvarious rolling processes may be employed which without adequatestructural strength would subject the active filtration layer totearing, flaking, cracking, and breakage. For example, the rayon,protective layers 110 and 130 protects the ACF layer 120 or media duringprocessing as the material encounters friction passing over and/orthrough rollers and guides. Additionally, the rayon, protective layers110 and 130 are useful during the water filtration cycle, as the layers110 and 130 prevent flakes from the brittle carbon material in the ACFlayer 120 from entering the water/air stream 150, as shown in FIG. 1B.

As previously mentioned, the filter structure 100A includes an ACF layer120 adjacent to the second surface 115 of the first hydrophilicprotective layer 110 that acts as the active filtration layer. The ACFlayer 120 is configured for water filtration, primarily using gravity.That is, the ACF layer 120 receives the stream of water from theprotective layer 110, and provides filtration as the water passesthrough the ACF layer 120.

In one embodiment, the ACF layer 120 comprises a single layer. That is,the construction and configuration of the single ACF layer 120 providesfor suitable flow rates of water through its cross section. A singlelayer provides significant advantages, such as, lower cost in materials,and a smaller form factor especially when incorporated into a waterbottle, thereby allowing for more space to be utilized for holdingfiltered water rather than reserving space for the filtration system.

The filter structure 100A also includes a second hydrophilic protectivelayer 130, which is similar in design, structure, and configuration asthe first protective layer 110. In the second protective layer, a thirdsurface 133 is adjacent to the ACF layer 120, and is configured forreceiving filtered water from the ACF layer 120. A fourth surface 135 ofthe second protective layer 130 is configured for expelling the nowfiltered water, primarily using gravity. As shown in FIG. 1A, the firstprotective layer 110 and the second protective layer 130 sandwich theACF layer 120. In one embodiment, the protective layer 130 comprises acellulose based nonwoven layer. In still another embodiment, thecellulose based nonwoven layer comprises rayon.

FIG. 1B is a cross section of a shaped filter structure 100B includingACF as a filter, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The filter structure 100B illustrates the use of the filterstructure 100A of FIG. 1A. More specifically, the filter structure 100Billustrates a larger cross section than the filter structure 100A.

The shaped filter structure 100B includes the same layers as filterstructure 100A, including a first hydrophilic protective layer 110(e.g., cellulose based nonwoven, rayon, etc.), an ACF layer 120, and asecond hydrophilic protective layer 130 (e.g., cellulose based nonwoven,rayon, etc. As shown, throughout the cross section the protective layers110 and 120 sandwich the ACF layer 120.

In particular, the first surface 113 of the first hydrophilic protectivelayer 110 comprises a contact area 117, which defines an area receivinga stream of water 150. The contact area 117 may be larger or smallerdepending on the stream 150, and may be located on different parts ofthe first surface 113. For instance, the contact area 117 may cover alarge percentage of the surface of the first surface 113 as atwo-dimensional water entry footprint. Purely for illustration, thecontact area 117 may cover 20 to 80 percent of the entire surface of thefirst surface 113. In one embodiment, the entire surface area of thefirst surface 113 is within a range between 9 to 15 square inches. Inone implementation, the entire surface area of the first surface 113 isbetween 9 to 10 square inches.

Further, the first hydrophilic protective layer 110 is configured toreceive the stream of water 150 and to distribute the water 150 out asecond surface 115, primarily using gravity. In one embodiment, thefirst protective layer 110 is configured to facilitate an expandeddistribution of the water 150 out an exit area 119 of the second surface115. That is, the first protective layer 110 acts as a distributornetwork for the incoming water 150. In part, this is due to thehydrophilic nature of the protective layer 110. For example, thehydrophilic nature of the cellulose based material (e.g., rayon) used inthe protective layer 110 helps to distribute water. That is, as thewater passes through the first protective layer 110 the two-dimensionalsurface area of the exit area or footprint 119 is larger than the entryfootprint or contact area 117. Embodiments of the present inventiondisclose a filter structure 100B that ensures that there is no poolingof water at the bottom head portion 160, and thus no reduction in theflow rate by maximizing the usage of the filtering region or regionbetween the contact area 117 and the exit area 119 used in the filterstructure 100B.

As described, both the first and second protective layers 110 and 130are hydrophilic in nature. This is distinct from previous protectivelayers previously used for protecting activated carbon. Typically,polypropylene or polyethylene are used for protection, but are notsuitable in water filters because of their hydrophobic nature. That is,a prior art filter structure using polypropylene or polyethylene forprotective layers 110 and 130 would experience pooling in the bottomhead portion of any filter structure. This pooling negatively impactsflow rates and filter life, as well as overall consumer satisfaction.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1B, the filter structure 100B is shaped. Thatis, the cross section of filter structure 100B, including the firstprotective layer 110, the ACF layer 120, and the second protective layer130 is shaped throughout the cross section. In one embodiment, the shapeof the filter structure 100B is a curve, or has a curvature. Forinstance, the filter structure 100B has a varying slope throughout across section (e.g., that shown in FIG. 1B). That is, the shape of thefilter structure 100B does not present a flat surface to the incomingstream of water 150. For instance, the shape of the filter structure istapered, curved, or has a constantly changing angle of incidence to thewater stream. In still another embodiment, the exposed surface of themulti-layer filtration structure is configured and shaped to minimizesurface regions or contact regions 117 that are perpendicular to thedirection of the stream of water. As such, for purposes of illustrationonly, FIG. 1B provides an illustration of the shape and/or curvature ofthe filter structure 100B, and embodiments of the present inventionsupport various shapes and/or curvatures of the filter structure 100B.

In one embodiment, the cross section of the filter structure 100Bincludes a bottom head section 160, wherein the head section 160 alsohas a curvature. The bottom area is defined as the lowest area to whichwater would gravitate. In one embodiment, the sharpness of the curvatureof the cross section of the filter structure 100B decreases towards ahead section 160 that is located on the bottom of the filter structure100B. That is, the degree and/or slope of the curvature decreases orlessens as the cross section reaches the bottom or head section 160.

In one embodiment, the ACF layer 120 is made of a material having abending modulus that is sufficient to enable the ACF layer 120 to holdits shape. In particular, the bending modulus is of a sufficient value,such that the ACF material is stiff enough to hold its shape afterreaching its final configuration.

The shape of the filter structure 100B facilitates and promotesincreased flow rates through the ACF layer 120. That is, a flat crosssection of the ACF layer 120 is inadequate for purposes of providingwater filtration within a water filter because a flat ACF layer 120 haslow flow rates of water filtration. In one embodiment, the shape of thefilter structure 100B promotes a flow rate within the range of 0.5 to1.0 gallons per minute, which is a typical flow rate of a household tap.As a result, for a surface area between 7 to 15 square inches of thefilter structure 1006, no pooling is experienced at the bottom headsection 160 of the filter structure 1006, especially when the waterstream 150 is flowing at a rate between 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per minute,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

As previously described, the shape of the filter structure 100B promoteshigher flow rates than a filter structure that provides a flat surfaceto the water stream 150. In addition, the increase in flow rates doesnot come at a sacrifice of filtration purity. That is, the effectivenessof the filter structure 1006 is maintained, such that with flow ratesbetween 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per minute, filtration purity includes aremoval of greater than or equal to 50 percent of chlorine for at least40 gallons.

For example, the shaped filter structure 100B meets an NSF-42 standard,as defined by “The Public Health and Safety Organization,” in oneembodiment. Specifically, the shaped filter structure 100B meets theNSF-42 standard using a single layer, even at very low flow rates.Without the designed shape of the structure 100B (e.g., a flat surface),multiple ACF layers would be required to meet the NSF-42 standard (e.g.,filtration of at least 50 percent chlorine for at least 40 gallons).That is, in embodiments of the present invention, the shaped filterstructure 1006 provides for consumer relevant flow rates using a singleACF layer 120 meeting specific chlorine requirements, such as filtrationof at least 50 percent chlorine for at least 40 gallons (e.g., NSF-42standard).

In still another embodiment, the filter structure 100B does not requirepre-wetting. That is, the ACF layer 120 is configured such that it isreadily available at first use, such that the user can immediatelyfilter drinkable water.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filter housing 200 configured to holda filter structure including ACF as a filter, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, housing 200 supports afilter structure 220. In one implementation, the filter structure 220comprises a multi-layer filtration material configured for waterfiltration, primarily using gravity, wherein the filtration material hasa curvature. For instance, the filtration material includes the filterstructure 100A and 100B of FIGS. 1A-B.

In one implementation, the filter housing 200 facilitates supporting themulti-layer filter structure 220 in a rigid state. That is, the filterhousing 200 enables and/or supports the curvature in the filterstructure 220.

The filter housing 200 includes a bottom head portion 260 towards whichwater gravitates in a typical use scenario. For instance, a top portion250 of the filter housing 250 is oriented upwards away from thedirection of gravity, and configured to receive a stream of water. Thatis, the top portion 250 has an opening (not shown) configured to receivethe stream of water. In addition, the interior (not shown) of the filterhousing 200 is hollow, such that the inner surface of the filterstructure 220 is exposed to the water stream.

In one embodiment, the filter housing 200 is configured for attaching toa support structure, such as a lid to a water bottle. In that case, thefilter housing 200 forms a throughway through the structure, wherein thethroughway is configured to receive a stream of water, filter the streamof water, and then exit filtered water through an exit or egress port.The support structure is further described in FIGS. 3A-C, below.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a portable water bottle 300A including astructure capable of filtering water without the use of a reservoir andwithout the use of a built-in venting mechanism, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In various implementations, theportable water bottle 300A utilizes the filter structures described inFIGS. 1A-B and 2. As such, use of the portable water bottle 300A allowsfor on demand filtration, wherein water is filtered at a high flow ratemeeting and/or exceeding the flow rate of the stream of water providedto the water filter for filtering.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the portable water bottle 300A includes a support315 that is configured to receive a multi-layer filtration material 320.The support 315 is configured as a lid to the reservoir 310, in oneembodiment. The reservoir holds filtered water. More particularly, thesupport 315 includes a top portion 316 and a sleeve region 317 that isadjacent and attached to the top portion 316. The top portion 316 isexposed to the environment and to the user. For example, the top portion316 is used to facilitate delivery of water to the filtration system inthe water bottle 300A, and for accessing filtered water through adrinking portal or opening 331. The sleeve 317 is configured forpurposes of providing a snug and water tight fitting to the reservoir310. That is, the sleeve 317 is configured to receive reservoir 310 forholding filtered water. Various means for attaching the structure 315via sleeve 317 is supported, such as, a screw top system, snap-onconstruction, latched connectors, etc.

The top portion 316 of the support 315 includes a first region 301 and asecond region 302, wherein the two regions are separate from each other.Specifically, the first region 301 is independent of and isolated fromthe second region 302. For instance, water that is present in the firstregion 301 cannot enter the second region 302 without traveling throughanother region, such as, the filtered water reservoir 310. The reverseis also true, wherein water present in the second region 302 cannotenter the first region 301 without traveling through another region.

The support 315 includes a first opening 323 that is configured forreceiving a stream of water. More specifically, the first opening 323 islocated within the first region 301. The first opening provides accessto a throughway 325 that is formed between the first opening 323 and amulti-layer filtration material 320 that is configured for waterfiltration, primarily using gravity. That is, the throughway 325 has afirst end that includes the first opening 323, and a second end 324including another opening that opens into the filtration material 320.The multi-layer filtration material 320 is attached to the support 315in such a manner to allow an incoming stream of water to reach andcontact the filtration material 320. For instance, the filtrationmaterial 320 is attached to the second end 324. In that manner, thefiltration material 320 provides for on demand filtration, wherein wateris filtered at a high flow rate meeting and/or exceeding the flow rateof the stream of water provided to the water filter for filtering. Assuch, no reservoir holding pre-filtered water is necessary. In oneembodiment, the filtration material 320 is similarly configured as thefiltration structures 100A, 100B and 220 described in FIGS. 1A-B and 2,and as such includes an area that is shaped or has a curvature. Forinstance, at least the bottom head portion 321 of the filtrationmaterial 320 is shaped and/or has a curvature.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the filtration material 320 is hanging fromstructure 315. In particular, filtration material 320 is hanging fromthe second end 324 down into the reservoir 310. In this configuration,the filter material 320 may include a housing for supporting andmaintaining a shape, in one implementation. In another implementation,the filter material 320 may be free hanging without the use of a filterhousing. Incoming water entering at opening 323 is filtered by thefiltration material 320 and deposited into the reservoir 310. The natureof the filtration material 320 is such that should water return throughthe filtration material 320 through a back flow process, it remains inthe first region 301 and is isolated from the second region 302, whichis used for drinking or accessing filtered water stored in reservoir310. For example, the first region 301 includes a water proof cap 350that prevents water from entering or exiting the first region 301, as isdescribed in FIG. 3B. In addition, any water re-entering the firstregion 301 is able to return back to the reservoir 310 after furtherfiltration by the filtration material 320, and as such is deposited asfiltered water in reservoir 310.

In addition, water bottle 300A is configured to receive a stream ofwater and perform water filtration without an internal or dedicatedventing mechanism. That is, the filtration material 320 is configured toprovide sufficient venting during a filtration process. As such, nodedicated venting feature or system is needed to vent the displaced airwithin the reservoir 310 as filtered water enters the internal volumedefined by reservoir 310. In particular, the highly porous nature of thefiltration material 320 (e.g., the ACF layer contained within thefiltration material 320) negates the need for a dedicated ventingfeature. This, in turn greatly reduces design and manufacturingcomplexity.

Structure 315 also includes a second opening 331 that is configured forproviding access to filtered water held in the reservoir 310. Morespecifically, the second opening 331 is located within the second region302. The second opening 331 provides access to a throughway 330 that isformed between the second opening 331 and the reservoir 310. That is,the throughway 330 has a first end that includes the second opening 331,and a second end 334 including another opening that opens into thereservoir 310. As such, the water bottle 300A may be tipped in such amanner that water held in the reservoir 310 will flow out through thethroughway 330 and out of second opening 331. That is, the secondopening 331 is configured as an outtake for filtered water fromreservoir 310 to flow through.

In one embodiment, the second opening is of a sufficient size to promotechuggable drinking That is, water exiting from the second opening 331 isnot severely limited and can meet and match any desired rate of chuggingwater that the user desires.

FIG. 3B is a close-up view of the support or lid portion 315 of theportable water bottle 300A shown in FIG. 3A, wherein the support or lidportion 315 is configured to hold a filter structure 320 including ACFas a filter, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

As shown, the support or lid portion 315 is configured to be leak proof,and is configurable to accept a reservoir for holding filtered water.For instance, the leak proof lid portion 315 and the reservoir 310comprise a portable gravity fed water bottle. More specifically, a firstleak proof cap 350 is attached to the support or lid portion 315. Forinstance, a hinge mechanism 351 is attached both to the leak proof cap350 and structure or lid 315, and is configured to allow the leak proofcap 350 to open and close. Also, the leak proof cap 350 provides accessto opening 323. As such, a stream of water is delivered into theportable water bottle 300A through first opening 323 for purposes offiltration. After the filtration process is complete, the leak proof cap350 is arranged to close the first opening 323, such that any residualwater due to back-flow is trapped within the throughway 325, and cannotexit and spill out through opening 323.

In addition, the lid portion 315 includes a second leak proof cap 355that is attached to the support or lid portion 315. Specifically, ahinge mechanism 356 is attached both to the leak proof cap 355 andstructure or lid 315, and is configured to allow the leak proof cap 355to open and close. Also, the leak proof cap 355 provides access to thesecond opening 331. As such, by opening the second leak proof cap 355,access to filtered water contained in reservoir 310 is provided throughthroughway 330 for purposes of drinking, as previously described. Afterfinishing drinking, access to the reservoir is no longer necessary, andas such, the second leak proof cap 355 is arranged to close the secondopening 331. In that manner, any filtered water held in reservoir 310cannot spill out through opening 330.

Moreover, the first opening 323 and the second openings 331 are isolatedfrom each other, such that when cap 350 and cap 355 are closed, thewater bottle 300A is leak proof. In some other implementations, when cap350 and cap 355 are closed, water bottle 300A is also air tight.Specifically, the first region 301 that contains the first opening 323and the second region 302 that contains the second opening 331 areisolated from each other. As such, even though cap 350 is open, and cap355 is closed, filtered water in the second region 302 cannot directlyenter the first region 301 without going through the reservoir 310 andfilter material 320. In addition, unfiltered water in the first region301 cannot directly enter and contaminate the second region 302 withoutgoing through the filter structure 320 and reservoir 310. In addition,even though cap 355 is open and cap 350 is closed, filtered water in thesecond region 302 cannot directly enter the first region 301 withoutgoing through the reservoir 310 and filter structure 320. Also,unfiltered residual water in the first region 301 cannot directly enterand contaminate the second region 302 without going through the filterstructure 320 and the reservoir 310.

In one embodiment, both the first opening 323 and the second opening 331are substantially on the same plane. That is, the top portion 316 andthe filtration material 320 are designed so that the first opening 323and the second opening 331 are substantially on the same plane, such as,the plane defined by line A-A in FIG. 3B. More specifically, theopenings for drinking 331 and for filtering 323 are located on the sameplane that is generally perpendicular to the direction of water flowwhen the water bottle is standing upright, and in a position to receivethe water. This same plane configuration promotes single handedoperation of the water bottle, and eliminates any need for a side pouroperation, wherein the filtration opening is located on a completelyseparate plane.

In one embodiment, the leak proof structure or lid portion 315 isconfigurable to accept one or more types of reservoirs, wherein eachreservoir is adapted to hold filtered water. Moreover, the filterstructure that is configured for attaching to the lid portion 315 isalso configurable to be attached to one or more types of lid portions315. In that manner, both the lid portion 315 and/or filter structure320 is interchangeable and/or replaceable within many different watertreatment and holding systems.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the lid portion 315 of the portable waterbottle 300A shown in FIG. 3A, wherein the lid includes two separateregions including a first region for receiving unfiltered water, and asecond region for providing access to filtered water, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, lid portion 315includes a first leak proof cap 350 that provides access to firstopening 323, wherein hinges 351 allows cap 350 to open and close. Also,lid portion 315 includes a second leak proof cap 355 that providesaccess to second opening 331, wherein hinges 356 allow cap 355 to openand close.

In addition, first cap 350 includes a locking mechanism 370 that isconfigured to lock the first leak proof cap 350 to the rim 380 of thestructure or lid portion 315. Also, second cap 355 includes a lockingmechanism 375 that is configured to lock the second leak proof cap 355to the rim 380 of the structure or lid portion 315. The lockingmechanisms 370 and 375 may be configured in any fashion, such as tightfitting snaps, etc.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart 400 illustrating a method for filtering waterthrough an ACF layer that is shaped with a curvature, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. The method outlined in flowchart 400 is implementable using the filter structures and gravity fedwater bottles of FIGS. 1-3, in embodiments of the present invention. Forinstance, the method outlined in flow chart 400 illustrates the generaluse of a filter structure described in FIGS. 1A-B and 2.

At 410, the method includes receiving a stream of water at a firstsurface of a hydrophilic protective layer. In one embodiment, thehydrophilic protective layer comprises a cellulose based nonwoven layer,and more particularly, in one further embodiment comprises rayon. Rayonprovides a durable yet hydrophilic material for receiving anddistributing water.

At 420, the method includes distributing the stream of water through thefirst protective layer and out a second surface of the first protectivelayer. That is, the hydrophilic protective layer acts as a distributingnetwork that receives water over a first surface footprint, and quicklydistributes that water through a larger footprint throughout theinterior of the first protective layer. This is possible, in part,because the rayon based nonwoven layer is hydrophilic. The water thenexits the protective layer out the second surface that has the largerfootprint.

At 430, the method includes filtering water from the stream of waterthrough an activated carbon felt (ACF) layer that is adjacent to thesecond surface of the first protective layer. The ACF layer isconfigured for water filtration primarily using gravity. As previouslydescribed, the ACF layer is shaped in such a manner to increase the flowrate of water filtration. In that manner, the flow rate allows for afilter as you fill implementation that is suitable for on-demandportable water bottle systems. This type of system provides for anon-demand bottle that gives the user a free drinking experience, bygiving the user filtered water as the water bottle is filling. That is,no active filtering process powered by the user is necessary (e.g.,squeezing the bottle).

At 440, the method includes receiving filtered water from the ACF layerat a second hydrophilic protective layer. More specifically, water isreceived at a third surface of the second protective layer, wherein thethird surface is adjacent of the ACF layer. The second protective layeris similar in structure and configuration as the first hydrophilicprotective layer, as previously described. For example, in oneembodiment, the second hydrophilic protective layer comprises acellulose based nonwoven layer, and more particularly, in one furtherembodiment comprises rayon.

At 450, the method includes distributing the now filtered water throughthe second protective layer and out a fourth surface of the secondprotective layer. That is, the second protective layer also acts as adistributing network that receives water over a first surface footprint,and quickly distributes that water through a larger footprint throughoutthe interior of the second protective layer. This is possible, in part,because the second protective layer is hydrophilic.

At 460, the water then exits the second hydrophilic protective layer outthe fourth surface that has the larger footprint. Specially, thefiltered water is expelled out of the second protective layer, such as,into a reservoir holding filtered water.

As described, the filter structure includes first and second hydrophilicprotective layers that sandwich an ACF layer. Moreover, the filterstructure has a curvature to promote higher rates of flow for purposesof water filtration. In that manner, the method for filtering waterthrough the filter structure as outlined in flow chart 400 isimplementable in an on-demand portable water bottle system.

FIG. 5 is a chart 500 illustrating the rate of chlorine reduction over alifetime of a filter structure, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the y-axis provides a chlorine reductionmetric from 20 percent to 80 percent of reduction of free chlorine. Thex-axis illustrates the life of the filter structure in gallons of waterfiltered.

In particular, line 530 is representative of typical filter structurethat have no shape and does not use cellulose based layers to protectthe sandwiched ACF layer. As shown, the filter structure in line 530 hasa low filtration quality, namely below 50 percent filtration orreduction of free chlorine, by percentage.

Line 535 represents another filter structure that may have thehydrophilic protective layers of embodiments of the present invention,including rayon based cellulose based layers sandwiching an ACF layer,but may not have the proper shape. As such, initially, the filterstructure in line 535 operates with sufficient filtration quality, butthe rate of chlorine reduction immediately is reduced over time, suchthat the overall percentage rate of chlorine reduction is again below 50percent.

Lines 510 and 520 represent filter structures that have the hydrophilicprotective layers of embodiments of the present invention, includingrayon based cellulose based layers, sandwiching an ACF layer, and havethe proper shape. The filter structure of line 510 may have a bettershape than that of the filter structure represented by line 520, andthus has a higher filtration quality as shown in FIG. 5. In particular,both of these filter structures are able to provide over 50 percent ofreduction in free chlorine

Thus, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, systems andmethods are described providing for an on-demand gravity fed waterbottle including a filtration system capable of filtering water at highflow rates sufficient to eliminate the need for a pre-filtered waterreservoir.

While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments usingspecific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagramcomponent, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/orillustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively,using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or anycombination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure ofcomponents contained within other components should be considered asexamples because many other architectures can be implemented to achievethe same functionality.

The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/orillustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied asdesired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or describedherein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps donot necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated ordiscussed. The various example methods described and/or illustratedherein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustratedherein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

While various embodiments have been described and/or illustrated hereinin the context of fully functional computing systems, one or more ofthese example embodiments may be distributed as a program product in avariety of forms, regardless of the particular type of computer-readablemedia used to actually carry out the distribution. The embodimentsdisclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules thatperform certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch,or other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readablestorage medium or in a computing system. These software modules mayconfigure a computing system to perform one or more of the exampleembodiments disclosed herein. One or more of the software modulesdisclosed herein may be implemented in a cloud computing environment.Cloud computing environments may provide various services andapplications via the Internet. These cloud-based services (e.g.,software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as aservice, etc.) may be accessible through a Web browser or other remoteinterface. Various functions described herein may be provided through aremote desktop environment or any other cloud-based computingenvironment.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure are thus described.While the present disclosure has been described in particularembodiments, it should be appreciated that the disclosure should not beconstrued as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed accordingto the below claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter structure formed of a multi-layerfiltration material configured for filtration primarily using gravity,comprising: a first hydrophilic protective layer having a first surfaceand a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposed to the secondsurface and the first surface is configured and positioned for initialcontact with a medium to be filtered, a second hydrophilic protectivelayer having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the thirdsurface is opposed to the fourth surface, and a single activated carbonfelt (ACF) layer having a fifth surface and a sixth surface, wherein theACF layer is disposed between the first hydrophilic protective layer andthe second hydrophilic protective layer, wherein the fifth surface ofthe ACF layer contacts the second surface of the first hydrophilicprotective layer and the sixth surface of the ACF layer contacts thethird surface of the second hydrophilic protective layer; wherein themulti-layer filtration material is formed with the ACF layer sandwichedbetween the first hydrophilic protective layer and the secondhydrophilic protective layer; wherein the multi-layer filtrationmaterial is configured to have a curvature exposed to a continuouslyflowing stream of water into the multi-layer filtration material.
 2. Thefilter structure of claim 1, wherein the first hydrophilic protectivelayer and the second hydrophilic protective layer are both formed asdistinct layers operable to be positioned relative to the ACF layer. 3.The filter structure of claim 1, wherein the third surface of the secondhydrophilic protective layer receives filtered water from the ACF layer;wherein the fourth surface of the second hydrophilic protective layerexpels the filtered water from the second hydrophilic protective layerprimarily using gravity.
 4. The filter structure of claim 1, wherein abending modulus of the ACF layer allows the ACF layer to hold a selectedshape of the ACF layer.
 5. The filter structure of claim 4, wherein theselected shape includes a curved surface that is presented to anincoming stream of water for filtration.
 6. The filter structure ofclaim 1, wherein the first hydrophilic protective layer and the secondhydrophilic protective layer both comprise a cellulose based nonwovenlayer.
 7. The filter structure of claim 6, wherein the first hydrophilicprotective layer and the second hydrophilic protective layer bothcomprise rayon.
 8. The filter structure of claim 6, wherein the firsthydrophilic protective layer is configured to facilitate an expandeddistribution of the continuously flowing stream of water out an exitarea at the second surface of the first hydrophilic protective layer,wherein the first hydrophilic protective layer acts as a distributornetwork for the continuously flowing stream of water such that as thewater passes through the first hydrophilic protective layer an exitfootprint has a larger two-dimensional surface area than an entryfootprint.
 9. A filter structure formed by the process comprising:positioning a first protective layer; positioning a second protectivelayer; positioning an activated carbon felt layer between the positionedfirst protective layer and the positioned second protective layer; androlling together the activated carbon felt layer positioned between thepositioned first protective layer and the positioned second protectivelayer to form the filter structure; wherein the filter structure isconfigured to receive a flowing stream of water at the first protectivelayer.
 10. The filter structure of claim 9, wherein the first protectivelayer is a nonwoven fabric that is hydrophilic.
 11. The filter structureof claim 9, wherein both the first protective layer is a nonwoven fabricthat is hydrophilic and the second protective layer is a nonwoven fabricthat is hydrophilic.
 12. The filter structure of claim 9, wherein boththe first protective layer and the second protective layer protect theactivated carbon felt layer during processing as the first protectivelayer, the second protective layer, and the activated carbon felt layerencounter friction passing over and/or through rollers and guides. 13.The filter structure of claim 9, wherein both the first protective layerand the second protective layer protect the activated carbon felt layerduring a water filtration cycle; wherein the first protective layer andthe second protective layer prevent flakes from the activated carbonfelt layer from entering a water or air stream.
 14. A filter structure,comprising: a first hydrophilic protective layer having a first surfaceand an opposed second surface, wherein the first surface is operable to(i) receive an incoming stream of water in a first footprint having afirst size, (ii) distribute the water throughout an interior of thefirst hydrophilic protective layer, and (iii) allow the water to exitthe first hydrophilic protective layer out the second surface in asecond footprint that has a second size that is larger than the firstsize of the first footprint; an activated carbon felt layer having athird surface positioned adjacent the second surface of the firsthydrophilic protective layer, wherein the activated carbon felt layer isoperable to filter the water that exits the first hydrophilic protectivelayer through the second footprint, wherein the filtered water exits afourth surface of the activated carbon felt layer; and a secondhydrophilic protective layer positioned adjacent the activated carbonfelt layer such that a fifth surface of the second hydrophilicprotective layer is in contact with the activated carbon felt layer;wherein the activated carbon felt layer is between the first hydrophilicprotective layer and the second hydrophilic protective layer in thefilter structure; wherein the filter structure is configured to presenta curved surface to the incoming stream of water to filter the waterprimarily through gravity.
 15. The filter structure of claim 14, whereinthe filter structure is formed at least in part by rolling together theactivated carbon felt layer positioned between the first hydrophilicprotective layer and the second hydrophilic protective layer to form thefilter structure.
 16. The filter structure of claim 14, wherein at leastthe first hydrophilic protective layer is made from long fibers that arebonded together by at least one of a chemical bonding, a mechanicalbonding, a heat bonding, or a solvent bonding process.
 17. The filterstructure of claim 14, wherein at least the first hydrophilic protectivelayer is a nonwoven layer.
 18. The filter structure of claim 14, whereinat least the first hydrophilic protective layer and the secondhydrophilic protective layer comprise a fabric; wherein the activatedcarbon felt layer is separate from at least one of the first hydrophilicprotective layer and the second hydrophilic protective layer and theactivated carbon felt layer comprises filter media.
 19. The filterstructure of claim 14, wherein a cross section of the filter structurecomprising the first hydrophilic protective layer, the activated carbonlayer, and the second hydrophilic protective layer is shaped throughoutthe cross section to have a curvature and a varying slope such that thefilter structure does not present a flat surface to the incoming streamof water.
 20. A method of forming a filter structure, comprising:positioning a first hydrophilic protective layer having a first surfaceand an opposed second surface, wherein the first surface is operable to(i) receive an incoming stream of water in a first footprint having afirst size, (ii) distribute the water throughout an interior of thefirst hydrophilic protective layer, and (iii) allow an exiting stream ofwater from the first hydrophilic protective layer out the second surfacein a second footprint that has a second size that is larger than thefirst size of the first footprint; positioning an activated carbon feltlayer having a third surface and an opposed fourth surface, wherein thesecond surface is adjacent the third surface; positioning a secondhydrophilic protective layer having a fifth surface and an opposed sixthsurface, wherein the fifth surface is adjacent the fourth surface; androlling together the activated carbon felt layer positioned between thefirst hydrophilic protective layer and the second hydrophilic protectivelayer to form the filter structure.
 21. The method of claim 20, furthercomprising: providing structural strength to the activated carbon feltlayer with the first hydrophilic protective layer and the secondhydrophilic protective layer.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein theprovided structural strength is enough to limit tearing, flaking,cracking, and breakage of the activated carbon felt layer duringprocessing including passing the activated carbon felt layer over and/orthrough rollers and guides.
 23. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising: preventing prevent flakes from the activated carbon feltlayer from entering an exiting stream of water from the sixth surface ofthe second hydrophilic protective layer.